Chapter 1: Organizational Overview
Anchor: #i998972Section 1: This Manual
Anchor: #i998977Overview
This manual was developed to provide bridge designers working on Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects with the policies and guidelines set forth by TxDOT regarding the design of bridges.
Its purpose is to improve the bridge design and detailing process by promoting uniformity among bridge designers working on TxDOT projects.
This manual is subject to revision as conditions, experience, or research data warrant. Changes will be issued by Manual Notice. Changes may be in the form of new sheets to be added, revised sheets to replace superceded ones, or sheets to be deleted.
The manual is not intended to be a complete substitute for engineering experience, knowledge, or judgment. Special situations may arise that appear to call for variation from the policy requirements herein. Such variation will be subject to approval of the administration of the TxDOT Bridge Division.
Direct any questions or comments on the content of the manual to the Director of the Design Section of the Bridge Division, Texas Department of Transportation.
Anchor: #i999007Bridge Design Manual Format
The manual begins with this overview of the manual and a description of the evolution of the TxDOT Bridge Division. The chapters that follow include information on TxDOT Divisions/Sections, design specifications, geometric restraints, preliminary considerations, general design controls, superstructure design, substructure design, special designs, and foundation design. The following paragraphs briefly discuss these chapters:
Chapter 2 presents a description of the TxDOT Divisions/Sections primarily involved in bridge design, planning, construction, and maintenance and provides descriptions of the responsibilities of the TxDOT Bridge Division’s Bridge Design Section.
Chapter 3 lists and briefly describes the governing design specifications, or “Rule Books,” involved in bridge design. The chapter includes information on mandatory specifications, guide specifications, and industry recommendations.
Chapter 4 discusses the common roadway geometric restraints inherent in bridge design. Bridge widths, span lengths, clearances, and alignment are discussed. A section on the constraints involved during stage construction is also included.
Chapter 5 presents some common aspects a designer/planner must consider during the preliminary planning and design process. These aspects include materials, structure type, economics, and aesthetics. A discussion on bridge railing and use of corrosion protection is also included.
Chapter 6 discusses in greater detail some of the more common design specifications involved during the design of a bridge, giving the designer additional information on the application and usage of common design specifications and criteria.
Chapter 7 presents design criteria and design guidance for the most commonly used superstructure types, including cast-in-place, precast, and steel superstructures. Background information on the development of each superstructure type is also included.
Chapter 8 presents design criteria and design guidance for the most commonly used substructure items, including caps, columns, and foundations. Background information on the development of some of these items is also included.
Chapter 9 presents design criteria and design guidance for designs that inherently involve unique aspects, culverts and drainage, bridge appurtenances, sign bridges, and some common bridge items. Background information on the development of some of these designs is also included.
Chapter 10 discusses in greater detail the relationship between structural design and geotechnical design. Some guidance on bridge foundation designs and retaining wall designs is included, as well as background information on the development of some of these items.